There will be no shortage of speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones and his NFL future this offseason. The 49ers signed Jones to a two-year deal in 2025 to provide stability behind starter Brock Purdy — a move that paid off in a significant way.
When Purdy was sidelined with a turf toe injury, Jones stepped in and started eight games, guiding San Francisco to a 5-3 record. He threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing a career-best 69.6% of his passes. Most importantly, he kept the 49ers firmly in the postseason hunt during a pivotal stretch of the season.
The 49ers have expressed a strong desire to keep Jones on the roster in 2026. However, quarterback-needy teams like the Minnesota Vikings are expected to explore trade options.
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If multiple offers materialize and the 49ers entertain trade discussions, Jones could have at least some influence over his destination. At least, that's what ESPN reporter Nick Wagoner believes.
"While Jones won't have full say in a potential trade, his relationship with the Niners is strong enough that if multiple offers were on the table, he'd get some say in where he lands," Wagoner wrote. "And it's a safe bet that his preference would be to land in a place that most closely resembles what he's had in San Francisco, both culturally and in terms of offensive system."
Whatever unfolds this offseason, Jones has made it clear he values his time with the 49ers, learning from Purdy and head coach Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco helped revitalize the career of the former first-round pick, much as it did for Sam Darnold, who earlier this month hoisted the Lombardi Trophy with the Seattle Seahawks.
"Look, I signed a two-year deal here, and I've absolutely loved it," Jones said this month. "I got that joy back that I was looking for. I talked about the PhD in football. I truly believe that I got that this year. Things I didn't—maybe thought I knew—but I didn't know yet, and Kyle helped me find that. So, I'm looking forward to doing it again next year, but as you know, it's a business, and they have to make a business decision, and I have to, too.
"I love the 49ers, so if I'm here, I'm going to be happy, and if something happens, we know what I can do. I proved that this year, and when I've had the right situation, I feel like I've proved that. So, I'm excited for it. As you know, it's a waiting game [filled with] unpredictability."
Wagoner also noted that if Jones seeks a contract extension from a new team as part of a trade, it could complicate talks. On the other hand, if the 49ers keep Jones through the final year of his deal and he signs a sizable free agent contract elsewhere in 2027, San Francisco would likely receive a third-round compensatory pick — though that selection would not come until 2028.